The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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